calheel
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: set up new iMac

I currently use a 2009 iMac and 2011 MacAir. I just received a new 2016 21" iMac and want to be very efficient in setting it up.

I currently have a personal user profile and a grad student user profile.

 

What would be the ideal way to set this new one up?

a) continue with separate user profiles or use seperate desktop views (and I don't remember how to do that).

b) partition OS from document/data files'

c) any other useful ideas.

 

Thanks for your help.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Apr 8, 2016 12:07 PM

Close
calheel

Q: set up new iMac

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Apr 8, 2016 12:16 PM in response to calheel
    Level 9 (58,704 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Apr 8, 2016 12:16 PM in response to calheel

    How you set it up is up to you and not to be snarky but I think you are overthinking it. Please read Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support and that should help you immensely!

  • by calheel,

    calheel calheel Apr 8, 2016 12:50 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 8, 2016 12:50 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    I've read the how to, I'm looking for more of a strategy on how best to set it up.

    Thanks.

    Any ideas?

  • by rkaufmann87,Helpful

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Apr 8, 2016 3:18 PM in response to calheel
    Level 9 (58,704 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Apr 8, 2016 3:18 PM in response to calheel

    Well first, as mentioned I think you are overthinking this. Setting up a Mac (new or old) is extremely straight forward.

     

    First do not partition the drive, not only is it 100% unnecessary unless you intend to install multiple OS's on it doing so is a waste of time and will only slow down the system.

     

    I would simply backup your current system to Time Machine and/or Bootable Clone backup and then when the new machine arrives, connect the backup EHD to the new computer via USB and when Setup Assistant gets to the point where it asks if you are migrating from another Mac simply click yes and follow the on-screen prompts.

     

    If you want to create separate users for yourself,  you can but I don't see any advantage to doing so. Creating separate user accounts is intended for just that, separate (meaning different peoples) accounts. Creating separate user accounts for yourself would only slow down work flow, I don't see any advantage to doing so.

     

    Once again, please don't over think it. Years and years of personal experience tell me that when I do that not only do I just questioning all the options and confusing myself but I usually end up going the most simple route because it's the fastest.

  • by Ralph9430,Helpful

    Ralph9430 Ralph9430 Apr 8, 2016 3:19 PM in response to calheel
    Level 6 (18,190 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 8, 2016 3:19 PM in response to calheel

    The one thing I would think about is the applications on your old Mac. Depending on the operating system on the old Mac some of the applications you use may not run on the new Mac. They will need to be upgraded to their latest version. I always recommend users check the version of the application on the old map to determine if it is the current version and make sure it will run in iOS 10.11.4 El Capitan. Those that don't require upgrade should be installed fresh from the App Store or the DVD or CD they came on.